If you have a little one sick at home right now, you are not alone! There are so many illnesses circulating right now that it can feel like an uphill battle keeping your kids healthy.

If your child is sick, chances are that he or she has had a fever at some point. Did you know that fevers can actually be aiding in his or her recovery?

Most fevers are not serious and can actually help your child feel better faster. Read on as our AFC Urgent Care Hickory team shares more about childhood fevers.

What Temperature Indicates a Fever for a Child?

Children can spike an elevated temperature often, due to everything from an infection of some sort to the teething process! If you start to notice that your child is feeling warm or acting differently, take his or her temperature. A rectal or ear temperature that is 100.4 degrees or higher is officially a fever. If you see that number on your thermometer, though, don’t panic. At this point, it just means that his or her body is responding to illness the way it should and working hard to overcome the illness.

A higher body temperature creates a more difficult environment for the infection or illness to grow and reproduce. Fevers are so neat, because at the same time, they create a more encouraging environment for your child’s body to work and attack the infection! While all this sounds great, fevers can also make your child feel even sicker, so it is OK to treat the fever if relief is needed.

Tips for Treating a Fever

• OTC medication
• Rest and sleep
• Plenty of fluids
• Easily removable layers or extra blankets

How Long Do Fevers Last?

Most fevers resolve on their own in about one to three days as your child’s body slowly overcomes the illness. Once your child starts to feel better or act more like his or herself, chances are that the fever has broken!

In instances where your child’s fever does not respond to OTC medication or if the fever keeps climbing and reaches 104 degrees or higher, bring him or her in to be seen by a medical provider. Babies and small children can be more vulnerable to the effects of high fevers, so it is always best to be safe and investigate the reasoning further.

Signs Your Child Has a Fever

• Chills, shivering or shaking
• Body aches
• Fatigue
• Sweating or flushed skin

Does your child have a high fever? Come see us at AFC Urgent Care Hickory.